Volvo Buses India, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Volvo Bus Corporation of Sweden, on Saturday announced the trial run of its multi-axle low floor city bus (Volvo 7400XL) in India. Karnataka government-owned Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) held the run.

With the trials, Volvo Buses is set to further expand its business in India.

The Volvo 7400XL, showcased at the Auto Expo 2012 in Delhi earlier this year, is India’s first multi-axle city bus with a steered axle. It is also the country’s first city bus ready to support efficient mass bus-based transport systems and can carry over 100 passengers at a time.

Akash Passey, senior vice-president (business region international), Volvo Bus Corporation, and chairman of the Volvo Buses India board, said, “Volvo Buses has been at the forefront of driving innovation in mass transport solution. Volvo 7400XL, part of our new range of buses, highlights our efforts to make public transport the preferred choice of mobility in a city.

The response to the Volvo 8400 city bus in 13 cities across India has been very encouraging, and the Volvo 7400XL would take the Volvo city bus concept a step further.”

The Volvo 7400XL is powered by the Volvo 7-litre diesel engine, with 290 hp of power. It is also equipped with a turbocharger and an intercooler.